Hine was recently given custody of her two mokopuna, a life change she hadn’t expected. She was living rurally and in the early stages of a small business when a sudden car repair bill became an impossible hurdle.

For Hine, a car isn’t optional. She needed it to get her grandchildren to school, reach essential services like the supermarket, and sustain her fledgling new small business that was helping her build her way out of a vulnerable situation.

Her business was slowly growing. She had completed courses, sought mentoring, invested in equipment, was planning future growth and building momentum.

When her car failed its warrant of fitness needing new tyres and work on the brakes, the $1,500 bill was far beyond what she could manage.

Hine tried every avenue to solve it on her own, but all doors were closed. Then she found Good Shepherd. We recognised that Hine just needed someone to cut her a break so she could stay on her feet. We provided a grant to help pay the mechanics bill on her behalf.

Once Hine got her car back, the pressure lifted immediately. She could keep her grandchildren in their routines. She was able to continue serving her new clients without losing any business and so she could keep strengthening her ongoing financial stability.

Hine later told us this “lifted a huge burden…and restored a sense of hope and encouragement during a very challenging time”.

Hine carries that kindness with her as she moves forward.

*name has been changed